Celebrating 35 Years: A Conversation with Helen Yong

Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your professional background?

My name is Helen Yong. I am Dutch, and I was born in Malaysia as an overseas Chinese. My professional background is in banking, where I have more than 10 years of industry experience. My work has covered trade settlements, fund bookkeeping, client operations, and institutional investor servicing.

My family and I moved to Hong Kong in 2008. At the time, KasBank offered me an opportunity, and I was seconded as an Account Manager to the Hong Kong office of a German-owned stock trading firm, one of KasBank's key clients.

Could you tell us about your time with the Dutch Chamber and how you first became involved with the organisation?

I became involved with the Dutch Chamber after seeing a vacancy and applying for the role. I joined in May 2010 as Office Manager. Jacqueline Baud was the General Manager and Faith Fung was the Marketing Manager when I started.

Although our team was small, we had a lot of fun working together. My role covered a broad mix of office administration, finance, and end-to-end event support. Our office was located within the Consulate General on the 57th floor of Cheung Kong Centre in Central, which made it a particularly prestigious place to work.

What was the Dutch Chamber like during the period when you worked there (2010 to 2020)? How would you describe its atmosphere, team, and relationship with its members?

During my ten-year tenure, Jacqueline Baud was my first General Manager, and Muriel Moorrees later succeeded her. Over those years, I worked alongside five Marketing Managers: Faith Fung, Mirjam Achthoven, Caroline Schikker, Judith Huismans, and Rogier van Veldhuizen.

Our core in-house team consisted of only three staff members. Given our size, we handled almost everything ourselves while also benefiting from tremendous support from our board members and the Consulate General.

The atmosphere was relaxed and close-knit. We supported one another and maintained professional standards while enjoying a friendly working environment. We built strong relationships with our members and got to know many Dutch and local business representatives personally over the years. We listened to their business needs and supported them through networking events and practical Chamber services.

Many members became more than business contacts; they became familiar faces and valued connections. Although our team was small, we always did our best to be responsive, approachable, and helpful.

Looking back, are there any particular events, projects, or moments during your time with the Dutch Chamber that have stayed with you?

Two moments that stand out are the official visit of former Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the appearance of football legend Ruud Gullit. Those were unforgettable highlights.

I also have wonderful memories of our recurring flagship events, including the KLM BlueBiz Cocktails, the ABN AMRO Annual Golf Tournament, which ran for nine consecutive years, the Christmas Cocktail Parties, the Finance Dinners, the China Seminars, and of course our biennial Business Galas.

I helped organise five Business Galas, each requiring extensive preparation over many months. Some were highly formal and business-focused, while others had a more relaxed and social atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in such a diverse range of events. They also provided valuable opportunities to learn about different industries and business perspectives.

Another favourite was the Munch Events, our informal mingle-and-lunch sessions, where members could visit different member companies and gain an inside look at their businesses. These events played an important role in strengthening our member community.

You were closely involved in the Dutch Chamber's daily operations and member communications. What did you learn from working with Dutch and Hong Kong businesses and professionals?

Dutch contacts tend to be direct and practical, while Hong Kong counterparts place great value on relationships alongside efficiency. Working at the Dutch Chamber required me to stay highly organised and well prepared, often under tight deadlines. I learned how important it is to adapt my communication style to different people and situations. Over time, I also grew into what the Dutch call a "duizendpoot" - a jack-of-all-trades who can handle a wide variety of responsibilities.

As the Dutch Chamber celebrates its 35th anniversary, what does the Dutch Chamber mean to you, and what would you like to say to its members, colleagues, and future generations?

For me, the Dutch Chamber is much more than a workplace. It is where I built many lasting connections within both the Dutch and Hong Kong business communities.

I would like to thank everyone for the trust, support, and wonderful memories over the years. I truly value the relationships we built together.

To the next generation, I would say: stay open-minded, embrace cross-cultural exchange, and continue nurturing the valuable ties between the Netherlands and Hong Kong. I wish the Dutch Chamber every success as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and many more prosperous years ahead.

As the Dutch Chamber celebrates its 35th anniversary, what are you most proud of from your time there, and what are your hopes for its future?

Looking back, I am most proud of helping to keep the Dutch Chamber running smoothly throughout those years. I contributed to many of our signature events, and it was incredibly rewarding to see members connect and build meaningful business relationships through them.

Looking ahead, I hope the Dutch Chamber will continue to strengthen ties between Dutch and Hong Kong businesses while expanding its reach across the Greater Bay Area. I also hope it will keep creating valuable networking opportunities for both new and existing members and continue to thrive for many decades to come.